Crafted by Harsh Gupta, MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Just a few days prior, I marked nine months of residing in London. While this may not appear to be a lengthy duration, it has provided ample opportunity to glean useful insights. London stands out as a vibrant city, both in terms of the extensive accommodation options and the varied communities that inhabit it. Students here benefit from a plethora of choices, ranging from student housing to private leases, including ensuite rooms, studios, shared apartments, and house shares. Domestic students can arrange in-person viewings with ease, while international students may utilize platforms such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom to browse listings, examine amenities, and evaluate their closeness to public transportation links.
During my quest for a place to stay, I concentrated on securing a room in Central London. It was important for me to be near key attractions, social hotspots, and, most crucially, Imperial’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric travel zones, with Zones 1 and 2 considered the most central. The city boasts a superb transport network—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—facilitating relatively effortless navigation. Nonetheless, travel costs can accumulate; inter-zonal travel may cost up to £5.25 per day. To economize, I frequently opted to walk shorter distances rather than rely on public transportation. Still, discounted Oyster card options have made commuting to university considerably more budget-friendly. In addition to the Tube, services such as the London Overground and National Rail reach into outer zones, with fares varying by distance and operator.
Residing in Central London offers advantages, but it also entails elevated living expenses. Luckily, I was able to share a room with a friend, which significantly reduced our rent. I chose intercollegiate student accommodation to foster connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds and similar age groups—an opportunity that is often more challenging to find in private rentals.
A key consideration for me was proximity to grocery outlets. Major supermarket chains like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op are prevalent, while economical choices such as Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland are also accessible. Being near essential shops and pharmacies proved particularly convenient during hectic exam times when every moment counts.
Selecting the right neighborhood in London can be daunting. The city’s extensive cultural diversity is showcased through its numerous ethnic enclaves. A variety of international students gravitate towards areas that evoke memories of home. For instance, Southall in West London is famous for its lively South Asian community, featuring an array of Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and traditional clothing shops. Brixton, situated in South London, is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music scene. Meanwhile, Chinatown, located in the central West End, is a bustling center of Chinese eateries, shops, and cultural events. These examples illustrate just a fraction of London’s culturally rich neighborhoods.
Ultimately, the optimal place to reside in London hinges on your individual preferences and interests. As you embark on your search for a new home, embrace the city’s diversity, explore its cultural neighborhoods, and savor all that this remarkable city has to offer.